Studies of Condensation Shock Waves : 2nd Report, Relation between Condensation Shock Wave and Condensation Zone

Abstract

A rapid expansion of moist air or steam in a supersonic nozzle gives rise to condensation phenomena and a condensation shock wave appears in the supersonic section of the nozzle. In the first paper, the mechanism of the formation of a condensation shock wave was studied. In the condensing process, nonequilibrium process of condensation by homogeneous nucleation is followed by equilibrium process of condensation where saturated expansion takes place. In the present study, the nonequilibrium condensation region has been experimentally investigated, and the relation between the position of the condensation shock wave and the nonequilibrium condensation region has been clarified. Furthermore, the flow field of condensation zone with and without a condensation shock wave has been well explained by the results of optical observations and pressure measurements.